Sydney College of the Arts

Leading contemporary art education and research

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For more than four decades we have been the major NSW training ground for exceptional contemporary artists, researchers and curators.

As NSW’s first tertiary art school, we have led the way in studio-based visual arts practice and education since 1976, and we are still evolving and delivering innovative contemporary art programs that support the professional success of our graduates.

We teach people how to become artists, curators and art writers active in national and international visual culture. Our academic staff believe studio-based learning is integral to any visual arts degree and understand the importance of working with practising artists, designers and craft specialists. Staff maintain professional profiles in their field with many exhibiting nationally and internationally.

Our study offering

The Master of Moving Image offers you a hands-on education in contemporary moving image production by teaching you how to develop a film project from concept to screen. Taught at Sydney College of the Arts, where you will have access to our editing laboratory, gallery spaces, art studios, practical expertise and shared postgraduate culture.

Postgraduate

Visual Arts is focused on providing you with the conceptual, theoretical and technical skills you need to succeed as a practising artist or in a range of careers in the creative industries. Taught primarily at Sydney College of the Arts, you will have access to our gallery spaces, art studios, practical expertise and shared postgraduate culture.

Undergraduate

In addition to meeting the academic admission criteria for our Bachelor of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Visual Arts and combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees you will need to submit a portfolio of your artwork.

Our research

Research is central to creative life at Sydney College of the Arts. Our research culture reflects and actively shapes the increasingly trans-disciplinary nature of contemporary art with links to industry and policy. Our approach to practice-led research means the work of our academic staff and students engages with diverse fields of inquiry, including architecture, music, environmental humanities, politics, Indigenous studies, history, philosophy, design, science and technology.

Our staff and postgraduate students are renowned for practice-led research. Our creative and scholarly works are exhibited and published in highly regarded venues, journals, monographs and media outlets around the world.

Within this dynamic culture, we offer research degrees at master's and doctoral level. Our research students form a vital part of a stimulating culture in which to share creative discoveries with each other, staff and external partners in forums, exhibitions and symposiums.

Our location

SCA is currently located in Rozelle. Its relocation to the University of Sydney’s main Camperdown/Darlington campus begins in 2020. Renowned architects ARM have been engaged to create cutting-edge facilities for contemporary artists at our new premises in the Old Teachers' College. Students who have commenced studies with us prior or in 2020, should anticipate completing their studies at the new facility on main campus.

There is a free inter-campus shuttle bus between the Rozelle campus (outside Sydney College of the Arts) and Fisher Library on the Camperdown campus for students and staff.

We encourage the use of our Rozelle campus in feature films, television productions and commercial photo shoots as a way of expanding appreciation of these historical grounds within the wider community.

As these kinds of productions can impact on the day-to-day operations of the college, applications are approved on a case-by-case basis. The costs involved vary depending on timing and duration and can be discussed further by contacting us.

Print lab

The Print Lab produces archival pigment museum grade prints of many sizes and in many materials. The wide-format machines used are based on leading technology and software, including the Roland 12 colour printer.